National News Briefs

Alaska House Approves $1-a-Pack Cigarette Tax

Published: May 11, 1997

The House voted 23 to 17 to raise the tax by 71 cents a pack and proportionately raise the tax on other tobacco products.

Supporters said that by increasing the cost of cigarettes, the tax would reduce the number of young people who smoke.

Opponents of the increase have proposed a bill strengthening enforcement of laws against sales to young people.

The State Senate has already passed a version of the bill and is expected to approve minor changes to it that were made by the House. Gov. Tony Knowles supports the higher tax and is expected to sign the bill, which could take effect in late August.